Liquid Supply Assembly

ABSTRACT

A connector system for a liquid container system for a spray gun includes a lid that includes a liquid outlet and an adapter. The adapter includes a spray gun end and a lid end. The ends are connected with a liquid-tight passageway. Further, the spray gun end is adapted for releasable engagement with a liquid inlet port of the spray gun and the lid end is adapted for releasable engagement with the liquid outlet. The connector system also includes a plurality of interlocking tab assemblies for releasably attaching the adapter to the lid. Each assembly includes a first tab and a second tab, wherein an end of the first tab is adapted to secure the adapter to the lid when the first tab and the second tab are interlocked.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of, and claims priority from, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/762,890, filed Jun. 14, 2007, entitled“Liquid Supply Assembly,” the disclosure of which application is herebyincorporated by reference. Further, this application claims priorityfrom U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/828,245, filed Oct.5, 2006, entitled “Liquid Supply Assembly,” the disclosure of whichapplication is incorporated herein by reference; and, this applicationalso claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.60/815,142, filed Jun. 20, 2006, entitled “Connector System for a SprayGun Lid,” the disclosure of which application is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure is directed to paint spray gun systems,particularly to liquid supply assemblies for paint spray gun systems.

2. Description of the Related Art

Spray guns are widely used for rapidly coating surfaces with liquids,such as paint. Liquid is contained in a container that attaches to thegun. The outlet of the container is typically a releasably connectablecoupling that connects to the spray gun. Liquid flows from the containerinto the spray gun and is fed to a spray nozzle. The spray nozzlecombines the liquid with air, atomizing the liquid, forming a spray. Atthe end of the spraying operation, the container and the matingconnection to the spray gun must be thoroughly cleaned so that liquidfrom one operation does not contaminate the liquid to be sprayed in thenext spraying operation. Additionally, the coupling between containerand spray gun must not retain any dried liquid that might interfere withthe connection between container and spray gun. A container with adisposable liner and lid may be used advantageously to eliminate orreduce the labor required to clean the container and the coupling to thespray gun. A spray gun system with a disposable liner is described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,820,824 to Joseph et al. Other spray gun systems withliners are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,432,104 to Kaltenbach; U.S. Pat.No. 4,151,929 to Sapien; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,501 to Lopresti.

Accordingly, the industry continues to need improvements in paint spraygun systems and liquid supply assemblies for paint spray gun systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure can be better understood, and its numerousfeatures and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art byreferencing the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 includes an exploded perspective view of a liquid containersystem that includes the connector system in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 2 includes an exploded perspective view of the connector system inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3 includes a perspective view of the connector system of FIG. 2with the adapter installed on the lid outlet and the interlocking tabsin an engaged position;

FIG. 4 includes a cross sectional view of the connector system of FIG. 2with the adapter installed on the lid outlet and the interlocking tabsdisengaged;

FIG. 5 includes the cross sectional view of FIG. 4 with the interlockingtabs engaged;

FIG. 6A includes a perspective view of the top and side of a containerliner in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6B includes a side plan view of the container liner of FIG. 6A; theother side view is similar;

FIG. 6C includes detail of a portion of the liner in FIG. 6B asidentified by letter E;

FIG. 7 includes a cross-sectional view of the liner of FIGS. 6A-6Cinstalled in an outer cup;

FIGS. 8A-C includes an outer cup for a four piece liquid containersystem, for the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 9A-C includes a unitizing ring for supporting a liner within theouter cup of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 10A-B includes a lid with a flexible sealing gasket in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIGS. 11A-B illustrate a unitized lid-ring-liner combination for storingliquid in accordance with an embodiment; and

FIG. 12 illustrates a lid with an integral filter in accordance with anembodiment.

The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicatessimilar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In various embodiments disclosed herein, a connector system is providedfor releasably attaching a spray gun to a liquid container. Theconnector system includes a liquid container lid with a liquid outlet,an adapter with two ends and interlocking tab assemblies flexiblyattached to the lid. One end of the adapter connects to the spray gunliquid inlet port and the other end of the adapter connects to theliquid outlet in the container lid. The adapter ends are joined by aliquid-tight passageway. Interlocking tab assemblies on the top of thelid releasably clamp the adapter to the top of the container lid.

Each tab assembly includes a pair of tabs. Each tab is flexibly attachedat one end of the tab to the lid top. One tab of each assembly includesan end shaped to securely clamp the adapter to the lid without the needto rotate the adaptor. This clamping tab is free to flex about itsattachment point to the lid and includes a hole near the middle of thetab. The end of the second tab of the interlocking tab assembly isformed to fit through the hole in the clamping tab, releasably engagingthe tabs. The second tab of the interlocking tab assembly includes astructure adapted to lock the clamping tab in position with respect tothe adapter. This locking tab is formed to flex only slightly about itsattachment to the lid, thus maintaining the clamping tab in engagementwith the adapter, when the tabs are interlocked. Other means forengaging the tabs in each tab assembly may be used such as a snapclosure, a hook and eye, etc. as are known to those skilled in the art.

By way of example and not by way of limitation, the connector system maybe used with any of the liquid containers described in co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/302,970, entitled “Liquid ContainerSystem for a Spray Gun,” which is incorporated herein by reference, byappropriate adaptation of the shape of the lid and the locking hingesthat attach the lid to the container.

FIG. 1 includes an exploded view of a four piece container system inwhich the connector system disclosed herein can be advantageouslyapplied in accordance with an embodiment. The connector system attachesthe container system to a spray gun for spraying a liquid. The containersystem includes an outer support cup 110, a unitizing ring 120, a liner130 and a lid 200. The unitizing ring is inserted into a recess in aflange at the top of the outer cup.

A disposable, collapsible liner is inserted through the ring into theouter cup and a lip at the top of the liner is supported on theunitizing ring. The lid includes a projection that slides into theopening at the liner top. The lid screws into the unitizing ring and aflange or a flexible sealing gasket on the periphery of the lid pressesthe liner lip against the unitizing ring, forming a liquid tight seal. A“unitizing” ring means a ring that in combination with other components(here a liner and lid) allows the combination to be manipulated as aunit. Thus, the lid-ring-liner assembly may be removed from the outercup as a liquid-tight unit, without the danger of the liquid-filledliner separating from the lid. When the lid is installed on theunitizing ring, the lid-ring-liner assembly may be secured to the outercup with a locking mechanism.

In particular embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 2, a connector system isprovided that includes a lid 200 and an adapter 240. The lid 200 coversthe top of a liquid container that includes an outer cup 110. The lid200 is inserted into the outer cup 110 and attached to the outer cup by,for example, locking clips or hinges 210 on the periphery of the lid.The lid includes a generally cylindrical liquid outlet 230 in the top ofthe lid. One end of the adapter 240 connects to the spray gun liquidinlet port (not shown) and the other end of the adapter connects to theliquid outlet 230 in the lid 200. The adapter ends are joined by aliquid-tight passageway. Interlocking tab assemblies (250-252) areattached to the lid 200. When these tab assemblies (250-252) are in aninterlocked configuration, the end 256 of tab 252 presses on adapterledge 243 and clamps the adapter to the liquid outlet 230 of the lid240, as can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 5. Thus, the adapter is securelyfastened to the lid, facilitating use of the spray gun and liquidcontainer in various orientations.

The interlocking tabs assembly (250-252) is illustrated in FIG. 2 in anon-interlocked configuration. The tab 252 will be called the “clamping”tab because this tab engages the adapter. The clamping tab 252 is biasedopen (away from the adapter). The tab 250 will be called the “locking”tab because this tab locks the clamping tab into position. The clampingtab 252 includes a hole for receiving an end of the locking tab 250. Thehole in the clamping tab 252 and the corresponding end of the lockingtab 250 must be shaped in a complementary fashion so that the tab 250end slides into and through the hole in the clamping tab 252. In aparticular aspect, the hole in the locking tab is generally rectangularin shape.

To engage the tabs, a user pushes the clamping tab 252 towards theattached adapter, which threads the locking tab 250 into and though thehole in the clamping tab 252. The locking tab 250 is formed to flex onlyslightly about its attachment to the lid, thus facilitating engagementof the locking and clamping tabs. This user action engages the tabs ofthe interlocking tab assembly. The end of each clamping tab 256 presseson the adapter ledge 243 and, thus, clamps the adapter 240 to the lid200, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Further, the minimal flex of the lockingtab 250 maintains the clamping tab end 256 in secure engagement with theadapter, when the tabs are interlocked. The locking tab includes alocking structure, such as the ridge 254 depicted in FIG. 2, to preventthe engaged tabs from separating, by catching the locking structure 254on the edge of the locking tab hole. The clamping tab 252 may beunlocked from the locking tab by applying downward pressure to thelocking tab 250, releasing the locking structure 254 from the hole. Theclamping tab 252 will tend to spring away from the adapter to itsoriginal position. The adapter may then be removed from the liquidoutlet.

FIG. 3 depicts the interlocking tab assemblies (250-252) in aninterlocked configuration. The end 256 of the clamping tab 252 presseson the adapter ledge 243 to clamp the adapter 240 to the lid outlet 230.Note the shape of the end 256 of the clamping tab 252. The end 256 ofthe locking tab 252 is curved to provide a snug fit to the curvedportion 242 of the adapter 240 that it contacts, regardless of theposition of the adaptor. Thus, in this embodiment, the adapter willremain securely engaged with the liquid outlet for any orientation ofthe adapter with respect to the liquid outlet, when the adapter isrotated. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a cross-sectional view of theconnector assembly system with the interlocking tab assemblies open andclosed, respectively. Note in FIG. 4 the bend in the clamping tab 257between the point where the clamping tab attaches to the lid and the endof the tab 256 that contacts the adapter 240. In certain embodiments,the bend 257 in the tab is sufficiently acute that the locking tabflexes at the bend 257 as the tab end 256 contacts the adapter ledge243. This flex aids in clamping the adapter to the lid.

Two interlocking tab assemblies are shown on the container lid in FIGS.2-5, but other embodiments of the connector system may have more thantwo interlocking tab assemblies. Further, other means for engaging thetabs in each tab assembly may be used such as a snap closure, a hook andeye, etc., as are known to those skilled in the art.

In particular embodiments, the lid 200 and interlocking tab assemblies(250-252) are injection molded as a single piece, according totechniques known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the lid and tabassemblies are made of polypropylene. In other embodiments, othermaterials that are suitable for injection molding may be used. The lidand interlocking tab assemblies are shaped to facilitate release of themolded part from the mold.

In another embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 6A-6C, a disposable liner600 is provided for use in a liquid container system, such as, forexample the container system 100 described in conjunction with FIG. 1.The liner has a non-flat closed end 610, an open end 630 for introducingliquid into the liner and one or more horizontal pleats 620 at theclosed end. The liner can be made from any nonporous material, includingbut not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene or a flexible film. Theliner may be rigid or collapsible. In certain embodiments, the linersidewalls may be thicker than the liner bottom, facilitating storage ofliquid in the liner. FIG. 7 depicts a cross-sectional view of the liner600 installed in an exemplary liquid container system. The disposableliner facilitates cleaning of the container system after use.

As described above, FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a four piececontainer system in which the connector system disclosed herein can beadvantageously applied. FIG. 8A includes a perspective view of the outercup 110. The cup is generally cylindrically shaped. The outer cup ismade of a relatively stiff material, such as a polymeric material, whichprovides structural stability. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8A,the outer wall 1520 of the cup includes facets to facilitate a securegrip of the outer container by the user. In general, however, the outerwall of the outer cup may be implemented with any generally cylindricalshape. The outside and inside bottom of the cup may be flat or may beother than flat. The top of the outer cup includes a generallycylindrical lip 1530 that is concentric with the longitudinal axis ofthe outer cup. FIG. 8B includes a plan view of the cup lip 1530 asviewed from above. The lip 1530 includes an indentation or recess 1540.This recess 1540 receives and supports the unitizing ring-linerassembly, as will be described below. The cup lip included slots 1550 inthe lip's face which is interior to the cup. As will be described below,tabs in the ring may engage the slots 1550 in the lip's face to preventmutual rotation of the ring with respect to the cup. FIG. 8C depicts theouter cup in cross section. In particular embodiments, the outer cupincludes one or more openings in the cups closed end or sidewall toprevent vacuum formation and to allow paint to be expelled from thecontainer system.

FIGS. 9A-C illustrate a unitizing ring 120, according to an embodimentof the four piece liquid container system. FIG. 9A depicts the ring 120in a perspective view. The ring is generally annular in shape with theperiphery of the annulus shaped to match the recess 1540 in the lip ofthe outer cup 110. The ring include tabs 1610 extending outward from thetop of the ring such that the tabs 1610 mate with slots 1550 in the topof the outer cup to prevent rotation of the ring with respect to thecup. The ring 120 includes a recess 1620 for receiving and supporting alip at the open end of the liner, as will be described below. The ringrecess 1620 is annular in shape with a circular periphery, but, ingeneral, may assume any shape that corresponds to the shape of the lipof the liner. The inside of the unitizing ring includes rib segments1630 that extend inwardly from the inner wall of the ring. These ribsegments 1630 are generally parallel to the plane of the ring 120 andmay be pitched slightly downwardly toward the cup end of the ring to actas screw threads for securing a lid to the ring.

FIG. 1 illustrates, in perspective, as described above, the componentsthat may be included in a four piece liquid container system inaccordance with an embodiment. These components are further described inconjunction with FIGS. 8-10. The unitizing ring 120 is inserted into therecess in the lip at the open end of the outer cup 110. A liner 130 isinserted into the unitizing ring, with a lip at the top of the linerresting on a recess 1620 in the ring (see FIG. 9A). A removable lid 200,as depicted in FIG. 10, includes a bottom projection 280 that isinserted into the open end of the liner, after liquid has been pouredinto the liner. The lid 200 is adapted to contain paint or other liquidwithin the liner and to prevent air from entering the closed lid/linercombination. Such closure occurs when the spray gun is attached to theassembly for use, or when the container outlet is sealed with aremovable cap or plug. The removable cap or plug is used to seal thefilled assembly either in preparation for forthcoming use or to storeunused paint for future use. The underside of a flange 285 on theperiphery of the lid forces the lip of the liner to the recess in theunitizing ring, enabling a liquid-tight seal. In certain embodiments,the diameter of the lid bottom projection 280 and the inner diameter ofthe ring recess 1620 are such that the top of the sidewall of the lineris compressed when the lid is attached to the unitizing ring.Compression of the liner sidewall between lid bottom projection 280 andring recess 1620 in this embodiment aids in forming a liquid tight seal.The lid bottom projection 280 and the inner edge of the ring recess 1620may both be tapered to aid in assembly of the liner, lid and ring. Tabsor threads 270 at the edge of the lid allow the lid to be screwed intorib segments or threads 1630 on the unitizing ring, securing the lid toring. A locking mechanism 210 on the lid can secure the lid to the outercup 110, allowing the liquid container system to be oriented in anydirection without detachment of the outer support cup from the system.The securing hinges 210 clip over a flange on the outer cup 110. Thetabs are flexibly hinged and biased to snap onto the flange of the outercup. The lid has an outlet 230 of generally cylindrical shape so thatliquid may be transferred from outer cup to the spray gun. The lidoutlet, an adapter for connection to a spray gun that mates thereto andmeans for securing the adapter to the outlet may be constructed asdescribed above in connection with FIGS. 2-5. The locking mechanismdepicted for connecting the lid to the outer cup is by way of exampleonly and a variety of such mechanisms can be used to secure the lid tothe cup.

The liner illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C and described herein may beemployed in various embodiments of the four piece liquid containersystem. A liner for use in the system, in general, will be: liquidtight; open-ended with a lip surrounding the open end, so that the lipmay be supported by the recess in the unitizing ring and the lip may bepressed by the compressible flange 285 of the removable lid against thering recess 1620.

In certain embodiments, the four piece liquid container may be coupledwith either a gravity feed or a suction feed spray gun, with the outletof the lid connected to the inlet port of the gun by an adapter, such asthe adapter described above. Liquid is withdrawn from the container andfed to the spray nozzle. The gun may be oriented in a wide range oforientations, including an inverted orientation with respect to gravity.

In a particular embodiment, an integrated, compressible flexible sealinggasket is provided at a peripheral edge of a removable container lid ina four piece liquid container system. This sealing gasket forms a liquidtight seal between the lid, liner and ring. The liquid container systemmay be generally similar, for example, to the system described above inconnection with FIGS. 1-5 and FIGS. 7-9. FIG. 10A includes a cutawayside view of a four piece container system, employing a flexible sealinggasket on the lid. The sealing gasket 275 is a downward flaringcircumferential projection extending from the underside of the flange onthe periphery of the lid 285 or from top of the lid bottom projection280. FIG. 10B illustrates the detail of the lid-liner-unitizing ringattachment, labeled “K” in FIG. 10A. The lid 200 screws into theunitizing ring 120 and the downward flaring flexible sealing gasket 275presses the liner lip 135 against the unitizing ring 120, forming aliquid tight seal. The lid projection 280 may press the liner sidewallagainst the reservoir sidewall 115, as indicated, or the dimensions ofthe lid projection 280 may provide clearance between the lid projectionand the liner sidewall ensuring easy insertion of the lid projectioninto the liner (and reservoir) top. The compressible flexible sealinggasket may be formed by injection molding, for example, as the lid ismanufactured, avoiding the cost of a separate extra gasket and thecomplexity of an additional part. In a particular embodiment, thethickness of the sealing gasket is about 0.020 inches, allowing the lipto flex as the lip presses the liner to the ring. In other preferredembodiments, the angle 287 between the flexible sealing lip and theunderside of the lid flange 285 at the periphery of the lid is about 30degrees.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the unitized ring-lid-liner combination maybe manipulated as a liquid-tight unit, e.g., inserted into and removedfrom the outer cup. FIG. 11A includes an exploded view of thecombination, while FIG. 11B depicts the combination assembled. When thecombination of FIG. 11B is removed from the cup, the liquid outlet inthe lid may be closed with a removable cap or stopper 1110.Advantageously, used paint can be stored and saved without the need foran outer cup. Since a paint shop may have numerous stored paintcontainers, eliminating the need for an outer cup can provideconsiderable cost savings. Similarly, paint can be mixed and storetemporarily without an outer cup for later use. Further, in disposing ofa container with liquid remaining, the unitized system eliminates thedanger of the lid separating from the liner as the unit is lifted fromthe outer cup or as it is tossed into a disposal can. This systemeliminates a fire hazard, when the liquid is flammable.

In various embodiments, a filter may be provided for any of the liquidcontainer systems described above. This filter, which may be removable,filters the liquid withdrawn from the container. In a particularembodiment, a filter 350 may be built into the underside of the lid 340in the container assembly, as illustrated in FIG. 12. Liquid withdrawnfrom the container through the lid outlet can thereby be filtered.

The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, andnot restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all suchmodifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall withinthe true scope of the present invention. Thus, to the maximum extentallowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to be determinedby the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims andtheir equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by theforegoing detailed description.

In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features canbe grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purposeof streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpretedas reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive subject matter can be directed toless than all features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, thefollowing claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, witheach claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subjectmatter.

1. A connector system for a liquid container system for a spray guncomprising: a lid including a liquid outlet; an adapter, the adapterincluding a spray gun end and a lid end, the ends connected with aliquid-tight passageway, the spray gun end adapted for releasableengagement with a liquid inlet port of the spray gun, the lid endadapted for releasable engagement with the liquid outlet; and aplurality of interlocking tab assemblies for releasably attaching theadapter to the lid, each assembly including a first tab and a secondtab, wherein an end of the first tab is adapted to secure the adapter tothe lid when the first tab and the second tab are interlocked.
 2. Aconnector system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second tabsinclude means for mutual engagement.
 3. A connector system according toclaim 1, wherein the first tab includes a hole for receiving the secondtab to engage the first and second tabs, the second tab including alocking structure, the locking structure adapted to interact with thefirst tab hole to prevent disengagement of the first tab and the secondtab.
 4. A connector system according to claim 3, wherein the lockingstructure is a ridge.
 5. A connector system according to claim 1,wherein the lid and interlocking tab assemblies are polypropylene.
 6. Aconnector system according to claim 1, wherein the adapter ischaracterized by an adapter axis joining the adapter spray gun end andthe adapter lid end, the adapter further including a ledge that issubstantially perpendicular to the adapter axis and wherein the end ofthe first tab of the interlocking tab assembly engages the adapter ledgeto secure the adapter to the outlet.
 7. A connector system according toclaim 6, wherein the first tab flexes to secure the adapter to theliquid outlet, when the first tab end engages the adapter ledge.
 8. Aconnector system according to claim 6, wherein when the adapter isengaged with the outlet and the interlocking tab assemblies are locked,the adapter and outlet remain engaged for any rotation of the adapterabout the adapter's axis.
 9. A liquid container system for a spray gunaccording to claim 1, the container system further including: a cupincluding a closed end and an open top, the top including a cup lip, thecup lip including a cup lip recess; a ring, the ring including aperipheral flange and a ring recess in the flange, the peripheral flangefor insertion into the cup lip recess; and a liner including a closedend and a liner lip at an open end, the liner inserted through the ringinto the cup, the liner lip adapted for insertion into the ring recess,wherein the lid includes means for releasably securing the lid to thecup.
 10. A container system according to claim 9, wherein the securingmeans comprises hinges extending from the removable lid for makinglocking engagement with the cup.
 11. A liquid container system accordingto claim 9, wherein the spray gun is gravity fed.
 12. A liquid containersystem according to claim 9, wherein the spray gun is suction fed.
 13. Aliquid container system according to claim 9, wherein the cup is vented.14. A liquid container system according to claim 9, wherein the ringperipheral flange and the cup are shaped such that mutual rotation isprevented after insertion of the peripheral flange into the cup liprecess.
 15. A liquid container system according to claim 9, wherein thering recess includes at least one of rib segments and threads on aninner wall of the recess and the lid includes a plurality of tabs forcooperating with at least one of rib segments and threads, attaching thelid to the ring.
 16. A liquid container system according to claim 9,wherein the liner closed end is rounded and the liner includes ahorizontal pleat joining the liner closed end to the liner body.
 17. Aliquid container system according to claim 9, wherein the liner iscollapsible.
 18. A liquid container system according to claim 9, whereinthe liner is rigid.
 19. A liquid container system for a spray gunaccording to claim 1, the container system further including: a cupincluding a closed end and an open top, the top including a cup lip, thecup lip including a cup lip recess; a ring, the ring including aperipheral flange and a ring recess in the flange, the peripheral flangefor insertion into the cup lip recess; and a liner including a closedend and a liner lip at an open end, the liner inserted through the ringinto the cup, the bottom side of the liner lip adapted for insertioninto the ring recess, wherein the lid includes a gasket for forming aseal between lid and liner.